Blessing of the Herbs Ceremony-August 2006

Ursuline Chapel

Bouquets of herbs were placed on the altar by participants in the annual Blessing of the Herbs ceremony.
Following the service in the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor everyone walked in a procession to the herb garden on the Convent grounds and to the nuns' Mausoleum.
Katrina's destruction was well noted as the mature magnolias and cedars had all been destroyed and the 100+ degrees summer sun was blazing.
The celebration dates back to the 600's in Europe and is always held on August 15.